Hebron Mayor decries Israeli power expansion as West Bank gains civilian sway

Israel’s cabinet approved sweeping changes that extend civilian control into Palestinian-run areas of the West Bank, giving Israel authority over municipal services and planning for sites like Hebron’s Cave of the Patriarchs. Palestinian officials say the move amounts to de facto annexation and signals the end of renewed peace talks, with Hebron’s acting mayor Asma al-Sharabati lamenting that Palestinians are “not protected” as settlers and Israeli authorities tighten control. The development drew international condemnation and underscored concerns that the Oslo framework is eroding as the West Bank’s status shifts.